Easy and Delicious Mediterranean Rice Recipe
Discover the flavors of the Mediterranean with this delicious and easy-to-make rice recipe that combines aromatic herbs and zesty lemon. It could be a great side dish or a perfect complement to meat or fish dishes.
Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean? I ALWAYS am! My love for the Mediterranean started in my childhood. My parents and I often vacationed in Greece, and Greece has the most beautiful beaches I have seen. I did travel quite a bit as an adult, to Greece, Spain, France, Italy, and Turkey, to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro, and to the East coast of Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil, to name some of my travel destinations.
But if someone gave me a winning lottery ticket and said to pick one country to live in for the rest of my life, I would, in a heartbeat, choose one of the beautiful Greek islands. My husband and I spent our honeymoon on the gorgeous Skiathos Island, and I can not wait to go back and visit more Greek islands. I greatly support the Mediterranean diet, and most of my recipes have that Mediterranean flair in them.
During my childhood in Serbia, it was common for Serbian and Greek families to exchange students for a week or two during the school year, so I spent two weeks with a Greek family near the Halkidiki region. I have great memories of the beautiful language (I didn’t understand a bit 😂, but when you are a kid, you don’t care; you communicate with your hands, smile, and nod for everything they say). And not to mention the food! And so much oregano in all the dishes! So yummy!
So if you are like me, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering rice dish that encapsulates the vibrant flavors of this sun-kissed region. Bursting with an irresistible combination of fresh herbs and aromatic spices, this Mediterranean rice is a delightful fusion of diverse cultures and cuisines. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main course or a delicious side dish, this recipe will transport you to the shores of Greece in a second. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into Mediterranean cuisine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rice is a staple ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, contributing to the nutrition and flavors of various dishes. This versatile grain adds a delightful texture and offers several nutritional benefits.
- Rice is primarily composed of carbohydrates, making it an excellent energy source for the body. Moreover, it contains minimal fat and no cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice.
- It contains B vitamins such as thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and folate (B9). These vitamins boost metabolism, support brain function, promote healthy skin, and aid red blood cell production. It is also a significant source of minerals like magnesium, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, and iron. These nutrients contribute to bone strength.
- For individuals following gluten-free diets or those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, rice is an ideal alternative to wheat.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Mediterranean Rice Recipe
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup long grain white rice – you can use long grain brown rice as it is better for your health, but you’ll have to adjust the cooking time due to their different nutritional content and texture. Always refer to the package instructions or adjust cooking times based on your experience with your specific equipment (whether you are cooking the rice in an instant pot, rice cooker, or in a regular medium-sized pot). This recipe is optimized for cooking in a traditional medium-sized pot. I once used arborio rice, and my personal experience is that I like it better with long-grain rice or white basmati rice (or brown basmati rice).
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – I wouldn’t advise using different oil as olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. But if you insist, the vegetable oil will do ok here.
- 1 small white onion – you can also use red onion if preferred.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Zest of one lemon
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 cup water – I typically use water since vegetable broth (or chicken stock) has excess sodium. But you can use them instead of water if you prefer.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
- Feta cheese crumbles
- Chopped Kalamata olives
- Freshly chopped parsley
Step-by-step Guide to Prepare a Delicious Mediterranean Rice Recipe
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get cooking!
Step 1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for fluffy rice.
Step 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the onions until they become translucent.
Step 3. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4. Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, cumin, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Allow these warm spices to infuse the oil for about a minute while stirring constantly.
Step 5. Add rinsed rice and stir well to coat each grain with the aromatic mixture. Toasting the rice with spices helps enhance its flavor even more.
Step 6. Pour in water (vegetable or chicken broth, if preferred) and lemon juice. Bring everything to a boil before reducing to low heat. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Step 7. Once cooked, fluff up the rice with a fork and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Add optional toppings like feta cheese crumbles for a tangy kick, chopped Kalamata olives for a salty touch, or fresh parsley.
This Mediterranean rice recipe offers a delicious and healthy option for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. With its vibrant colors, Mediterranean flavors, and nutrient-rich ingredients like fresh herbs and spices, this dish is satisfying and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Whether enjoyed as a main course or served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish, this versatile recipe will surely please even the pickiest eaters. So why not bring some Mediterranean flair to your kitchen and try this rice recipe? Your taste buds will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
While rice is not a primary staple in the Mediterranean diet, some Mediterranean dishes may include rice. When incorporating rice into the Mediterranean diet, opt for whole-grain varieties like brown rice or wild rice, which offer more nutrients and fiber than refined white rice.
An excellent seasoning to enhance the flavors of Mediterranean rice is a combination of herbs and spices commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. Here are some popular options: oregano – an essential herb in Mediterranean cooking- adds a distinct aroma and earthy flavor to the rice; thyme complements the other Mediterranean herbs well with its subtle and earthy flavor; cumin brings warmth and depth of flavor to the dish; lemon – zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the rice and add a refreshing citrusy note.
Jazzing up rice is a beautiful way to turn simple, plain rice into something more exciting and flavorful. Add fresh or dried herbs and spices to your rice while cooking. For a more luxurious touch, options include basil, thyme, rosemary, cumin, coriander, turmeric, or even saffron. Grate some lemon, lime, or orange zest into the rice to give it a refreshing and tangy flavor. Citrus zest can brighten up the dish and add a pleasant aroma. Just before serving, stir in freshly chopped cilantro, parsley, chives, or green onions to brighten the dish and add freshness.
Want More Tasty Recipes?
If you like this recipe, here are some more tasty recipes to try:
- Easy Lemon Feta Orzo Salad (Mediterranean Orzo Salad)
- Mediterranean Oven-Baked Branzini with Vegetables
- Best Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Garlic Recipe
- Lemon Butter Chicken Risotto in a Dutch Oven
- Healthy Beet Salad with Feta Cheese and Walnuts
- Shakshuka with Pasta Sauce and Leeks
Mediterranean Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 onion small, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- 1/2 tsp cumin ground
- 1 lemon juice and zest
- 1 cup water
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for fluffy rice.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the onions until they become translucent.
- Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, cumin, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Allow these warm spices to infuse the oil for about a minute while stirring constantly.
- Add rinsed rice and stir well to coat each grain with the aromatic mixture. Toasting the rice with spices helps enhance its flavor even more.
- Pour in water (vegetable or chicken broth, if preferred) and lemon juice. Bring everything to a boil before reducing to low heat. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Once cooked, fluff up the rice with a fork and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Add optional toppings like feta cheese crumbles for a tangy kick, chopped Kalamata olives for a salty touch, or fresh parsley.
Video
Notes
- The nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Long grain white rice – you can use long grain brown rice as it is better for your health, but you’ll have to adjust the cooking time due to their different nutritional content and texture. Always refer to the package instructions or adjust cooking times based on your experience with your specific equipment (whether you are cooking the rice in an instant pot, rice cooker, or in a regular medium-sized pot). This recipe is optimized for cooking in a traditional medium-sized pot. I once used arborio rice, and my personal experience is that I like it better with long-grain rice or white basmati rice (or brown basmati rice).
- Olive oil – I wouldn’t advise using different oil as olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. But if you insist, the vegetable oil will do ok here.
- Water – I typically use water as vegetable broth (or chicken stock) has excess sodium. But you can use them instead of water if you prefer.
